South Australian duo headed to Eurovision
A duo from South Australia has been chosen to represent Australia at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in a state first.
Electric Fields is made up of Zaachariaha Fielding from Mimili in the APY Lands, and artistic collaborator Michael Ross.
The duo will be the first South Australian act to represent the country in the competition when they travel to Sweden this May.
The electronic music duo incorporates Aboriginal culture into their music, performing in Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara and English.
Speaking to National Indigenous Television, Fielding said “it feels really good having Yankunytjatjara language represent Australia for the Eurovision…. it’s one of Australia’s oldest languages”.
Electric Fields will perform their song One Milkali, which translates to “one blood”.
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“The One Milkali is actually the one blood that runs through all of our veins, regardless of our culture, regardless of our language,” Ross said.
“Traditional music comes into [Eurovision], traditional dance and costume all come into it. So it’s such a unification and I think that’s why we love taking this song.”
Fielding said he was excited to experience the atmosphere of the competition and the opportunity to entertain a global audience.
“I want to be a part of the crazy circus, I want to feel what that feels like,” he said.
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Ross compared the feeling to “Serena Williams winning a Grand Slam”.
Electric Fields previously appeared on SBS’ Eurovision – Australia Decides in 2019, when they came second to Australia’s eventual representative for that year, Kate Miller-Heidke.
The duo thanked the state government, “gratefully” acknowledging “their ongoing support in the development of our artistry and efforts in bringing Electric Fields to the World”.
Arts Minister Andrea Michaels said it was “wonderful” to see the duo showcase their talents.
“Electric Fields’ ethereal performances have blown us away here in South Australia and now the world will get to experience what we have been spoilt with for so many years,” Michaels said.
Electric Fields will be performing with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra on March 17 at the Adelaide Festival Centre.
The Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Malmö Sweden from May 7 – May 11 this year.
